Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.